The Government has released new guidance which aims to help organisations and groups in England understand how to safely and effectively involve volunteers during the pandemic.
This guidance is for people who run volunteer-involving organisations or groups, or manage volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering yourself, or are already volunteering, read guidance on how to volunteer during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Who can volunteer
Business and venues
Contact tracing records
Travelling to volunteer or while volunteering
Ensuring volunteers and their workplaces are safe
Safeguarding volunteers
Insurance and volunteers
Volunteers who claim benefits
Involving volunteers in mutual aid groups and community support groups
Local information and resources
Omicron variant: changes to restrictions
New measures have been put in place as a precaution, because cases of a variant of concern have been found in the UK. There are changes to the rules in England on self-isolation, testing after international travel, and face coverings. From 4am on Tuesday 30 November, customers and staff are legally required to wear face coverings indoors in shops and on public transport services.
This guidance will be updated shortly to include more information on these changes.
COVID-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.
As COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, organisations and groups need to make judgements to manage the risks of coronavirus. While no situation is risk free, there are actions that can be taken to limit transmission of the virus.
Other related guidance in relation to volunteering
Volunteer locally during coronavirus (COVID-19)
Safeguarding Factsheet: Community volunteers during COVID-19 outbreak
Planning the coordination of spontaneous volunteers
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Safer public places – managing public outdoor settings